Trenton, NJ – A bill that would allow New Jersey’s public schools to ban or heavily restrict student cell phone use passed both houses of the Legislature unanimously this week, positioning it for final approval by Governor Phil Murphy. The measure, known as Senate Bill 3695, would require the Department of Education to create statewide guidelines governing when and how students from kindergarten through 12th grade may use cell phones and social media during school hours, on buses, and at school-sponsored events.
Sponsored by Sen. Paul Moriarty (D-Gloucester) and Sen. Kristin Corrado (R-Passaic), the bipartisan bill reflects a growing national movement among educators and lawmakers who say smartphones are fueling distraction, anxiety, and social media dependence among students. If signed into law, the measure would establish the most comprehensive statewide policy on classroom technology use in New Jersey history.
Under the proposal, the Commissioner of Education must issue a model policy within 90 days of the law’s enactment. Local school districts would then be required to adopt their own cell phone and social media policies consistent with those state standards. The new policies would take effect beginning with the first full school year after the law is signed, which means the 2026–2027 academic year would likely be the first to see enforcement.
The bill stops short of ordering a universal ban but sets clear parameters for limiting non-academic use.
It requires that cell phones and social media be prohibited during classroom instruction, with narrow exceptions for emergencies, medical needs documented by a healthcare professional, or specific accommodations outlined in a student’s Individualized Education Program. The policy also directs the state to differentiate between age groups, ensuring that expectations for elementary students differ from those for high schoolers.
Sen. Moriarty said the intent of the legislation is to balance modern communication needs with learning environments free from digital interference. “We’ve reached a point where phones are undermining focus, attention, and even social skills in classrooms,” Moriarty said after the vote. “This bill gives schools a consistent framework to restore order and concentration without disregarding legitimate safety or health concerns.”
Sen. Corrado, the bill’s Republican co-sponsor, described the measure as “common sense” and noted that its unanimous passage underscored bipartisan recognition of the issue. “Parents, teachers, and administrators all see how much time students spend scrolling and messaging,” Corrado said. “We want kids to learn, not text through class.”
The bill instructs the Department of Education to issue guidance on several specific elements: storage and security for devices during the school day, network-based restrictions to block access to social media platforms, and communication protocols to ensure students, families, and staff understand each district’s policy. Suggested options for device storage include locked pouches, secure lockers, or other containment systems already being piloted in some New Jersey schools.
While some districts have implemented their own rules in recent years, statewide policy has remained inconsistent. Certain schools have enacted strict “no phone” rules, while others allow phones for personal use during lunch or free periods. Advocates of the bill say that lack of uniformity has made enforcement difficult and left educators vulnerable to disputes with parents over discipline.
The legislation would allow school boards to apply for exemptions from the policy if they can demonstrate a compelling reason to maintain a different approach. That flexibility, supporters say, ensures that schools with existing effective systems or unique student populations—such as those serving special education programs—can tailor their rules appropriately.
Education officials and teacher groups have largely supported the measure. The New Jersey Education Association, in testimony earlier this fall, called the legislation “a necessary step toward reclaiming classroom focus.” Educators cited frequent disruptions caused by messaging apps, unauthorized video recording, and social media bullying as reasons for stricter control.
Public opinion appears to align with the legislative momentum. A 2024 Pew Research Center survey found that more than 70 percent of parents nationwide support limiting or banning student cell phone use during school hours. Many parents report that their children’s grades and behavior improve when devices are restricted.
School administrators have also warned of the challenges cell phones pose in emergency communication situations. The bill explicitly addresses those concerns by allowing student use of devices in emergencies or perceived threats. “We don’t want a situation where students can’t reach help in a crisis,” said Moriarty. “But we also don’t want phones out every minute of every class.”
If signed by Governor Murphy, the Department of Education would be responsible for working with educators, parents, and student representatives to craft the official guidelines. The policy must promote “student learning and well-being,” according to the bill’s language, and must comply with all state and federal education and disability laws.
Several New Jersey districts have already tested variations of phone bans. Schools in places like Wayne, Middletown, and Newark have implemented policies requiring students to place phones in sealed pouches or lockers at the start of the day. Many reported fewer disciplinary incidents and improved student engagement within weeks of implementation.
Opponents of blanket bans have argued that cell phones serve as vital safety tools, especially in an era of increased concern over school violence and communication delays during lockdowns. The new state policy attempts to strike a balance, emphasizing limited but permitted access during emergencies while maintaining educational integrity throughout the day.
Governor Murphy has not yet indicated whether he will sign the bill, but its unanimous passage in both the Senate and Assembly suggests it faces no major political hurdles. Once enacted, the law would position New Jersey alongside states such as Florida and Indiana, which recently enacted similar statewide policies regulating student device use in schools.